Ground clearance

[Northland]

Since I live in the mountains and planned to use my tractor for logging out firewood ground clearance was an important factor. One of the reasons I bought my Kubota B7800 was that it offered 14.7" of ground clearance-the most I could find.

If you are in the 25 to 35HP market then check out the B3200. It has 14.6" of ground clearance, integrated backhoe (only one seat), new, much narrower loader arms, bigger deck and a sloped hood for better visiblity. Those are very nice feature additions over the older B's.

http://www.kubota.com/f/products/B3200/pdf/b3200_spec.pdf

the new, smaller B's offer the same features in a smaller package

http://www.kubota.com/f/products/B20/pdf/b_series_spec.pdf

 

[GreenWannabe]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned here yet, is dealer support. Whatever brand you wind up with, the dealer is an important part of the picture, for continuing implement purchases, parts, service, and repairs - unless you will be repairing your tractor yourself. When you are making trips to MS, I would suggest you find and meet your various local dealers, and decide which ones you would prefer to deal with long term, especially the parts counter and the service area. This could help you to narrow your focus amoung brands. Your relatives should be able to help you determine the reputation of each dealer as well. Good luck in your search.

 

[newbury]

You may want to double check the CDL requirements in the state you are in. The Federal requirement is 26,001 pounds or more for the truck+load. Or combined 26,001 pounds or more when the trailer is OVER 10,001 pounds. Few states require a CDL of any class justbecause you tow a trailer of 10,001 pounds.

You can typically tow upwards of a 14-18,000 pound trailer and stay under the 26,001 combined total weight. You do want to stay within the capabilities of the towing vehicle. If you have a 2500 or 3500 class truck, you can typically geta 10,000 pound tractor and still be able to tow it on a 3500 to 4500 pound trailer. The Kubota L5740 with FEL and BH or the M59 both are under 9000 pounds.

Also, check the "loop holes" that exist in the law for farm trucks/trailers. At 300 acres of land, you should easily qualify as a farm.

jb

I'm up in the NE corner of MS, and pass thru Alabama just in the normal route of going from one parcel to another, I've also got another 70 acres in Vermont that I might use the tractor on, if I towed it up there

 

[john_bud]

I'm up in the NE corner of MS, and pass thru Alabama just in the normal route of going from one parcel to another, I've also got another 70 acres in Vermont that I might use the tractor on, if I towed it up there

Whether or you need a CDL with a 10,001 pound trailer I don't know for sure (most states you don't). You should still check with the DMV.

BUT, I do know (99%) that you NEED a USDOT number as you fit the bill of someone engaged in "interstate commerce". Any time you cross state lines and have any remote connection to "commerce" AND the truck + Load + Trailer is 10,001 pounds actual weight or more, you are required to have a USDOT number. Having that number is free. But, it also means you have to get the vehicle yearly DOT inspected and are held to a much higher standard of equipment and records. Drug tests, maintenance schedules, carrying spare fuses, drivers logs, commercial insurance, stops at weigh stations, etc etc etc.


Improving the value of your land, if you ever sell a hay crop, lease it, etc puts ALL activities into the "commercial" category. Expect more enforement as states go deeper into the red. It's been on the books since the Slick Willie days, but only started to get enforced recently. It's on the books to placate the Teamsters union. Too many people transporting their own stuff and not enough union guys getting paid to do it.


jb